Assay Principle: 

The DetectX® Prolactin (PRL) ELISA Kit quantitatively measures Prolactin levels in serum, plasma, and tissue culture media. This sandwich ELISA features a run time of 2.5 hours. Please read the complete kit insert thoroughly before conducting the assay. The kit includes a Prolactin standard for establishing an accurate standard curve.

Protocol Summary:

• Add standards or diluted samples into the provided transparent microtiter plate coated with mouse anti-Prolactin antibody.
• Incubate at room temperature with shaking for 1 hour.
• Introduce peroxidase-conjugated human Prolactin polyclonal antibody to each well.
• Incubate the mixture covered, shaking at room temperature for another hour. The immunological reaction occurs between the conjugated antibody and the Prolactin antigen.
• After incubation, wash away excess antibody and add the TMB substrate. The substrate reacts with the bound conjugate to produce a measurable signal.
• Use a plate reader to measure the signal at 450nm and calculate Prolactin concentration using the standard curve.

Background:

Prolactin (PRL), a polypeptide hormone, is primarily synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Originally identified for its role in lactation, Prolactin’s scope of biological activities extends far beyond to over 300 different functions. It has multifaceted roles in reproduction ranging from lactation support to various reproductive processes.

In addition to the pituitary gland, several other organs and tissues have the capability to synthesize and secrete Prolactin, indicating its widespread influence in the body. Its diverse mechanisms span reproductive health, metabolic regulation, and immune response. Prolactin’s influence on homeostasis highlights its importance in both normal physiological processes and in the context of various health conditions.

The DetectX® Prolactin (PRL) ELISA Kit is an important tool for researchers and clinicians in endocrinology, reproductive health, and general physiology. It offers a precise method for measuring Prolactin levels, aiding in the exploration of its multifunctional roles and the understanding of its impact on various health conditions.

Profile of serum Prolactin levels from a pregnant African Elephant: